BAGUIO CITY(PIA) -- The people of  Apayaos were lauded for their steady solidarity and good practices as they celebrate their 29th Foundation Anniversary.
 
National Youth Commission (NYC) Executive Director Leah Villalon commended the unity of the people of Apayao which built the foundation of the province,  and its continuing development and progress.
 
“Mahalagang ating maibida ang pagsusumikap ng bawat isa sa pagtataguyod, pagkakaisa, at pagtutulungan upang maisakatuparan ang ating mithiin para sa ating mga kababayan at mga kasama sa paglilingkod," Villalon said in her keynote message during the  province's 29th Foundation Anniversary program  held at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex in Luna town on February 13, 2024.
 
Villalon urged the yApayaos not only to celebrate their achievements,  but also to learn from the challenges they have faced as they reflect on the journey of the province over the past 29 years.
 
"Sa loob ng 29 years, magbalik tanaw tayo. Hindi lang sa magagandang nagawa, pati na rin ang mga naganap na siyang nagsilbing aral para marating kung nasaan na tayo ngayon. Huwag po nating kakalimutan kung saan tayo nanggaling," Villalon said.
 
Villalon emphasized the importance of building upon the strong foundation laid by previous generations. "Ituloy natin ang pagtataguyod sa malakas na pundasyon na itinatag ng ating mga naunang henerasyon at magtulungan tayo upang lumikha ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon," she said addressing the Apayao youth.
 
She also pledged the full support of the NYC to the province in all its endeavors involving the youth, expressing her commitment to maintaining a close partnership.

"Asahan niyo ang buong suporta ng NYC, asahan ninyo ang buong pusong pagmamahal mula sa aming Commission. Asahan ninyo ang presensiya ng NYC sa susunod na mga taon. At sana habang buhay tayong maging magkakaibigan," she added.

 Apayao Lone District Representative Eleanor Bulut-Begtang urged the youth to appreciate the sacrifices of their past and previous leaders who crafted and continuously working to bring progress and development to the province of Apayao.
 
Begtang emphasized the key role of strong leadership and solidarity in Apayao's development as she highlighted the progress of the province.

"We developed as a province because we have strong leaders with strong political will, and most of all, they left us the legacy of solidarity. We should continue to be united,  and not let anyone or anything break this unity which is the secret of the growth and continuing development of our province.”
 
For his part, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. vowed to continue to work together with the various government offices, the private sector, and other partners to bring the needed development and progress to  Apayao.

February 14 marks the separation of Apayao from the province of Kalinga thru Republic Act 7878  authored by the late Apayao patriarch, Elias Bulut Sr., and passed in 1995. (JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR / Apayao PIO photos)